Louisville Lightning Win Big Over Indy-Elite in US Open First Round

LOUISVILLE, KY (December 9th, 2011) -- The Louisville Lightning kicked off tonight against the PASL-Premier's Indy Elite in a US Open game. Tonight's game was part of the the round of 32, and with a win, they would move on to play in the round of 16.

The Louisville Lightning did not upset the home fans in any way shape or form. They came out quick in the first quarter with three goals from Tee Shipalane and Charlie Campbell. Tee's first goal was the recipient of the US Bank Goal of the Match, as he back-heel-volleyed it into the mesh after receiving a pass from Adam Boyer. "It came to my feet and I just put it in," Tee responded during the post-game press conference. Despite the nice goal, it seemed as if it were a ping pong match as the Indy-Elite responded with every Lightning strike. The first quarter ended in a 3-3 tie, which the coaches of the Lightning were not impressed with. But, as in life, patience is a virtue, and there was much more to come.

With the firepower the Lightning have shown this year it was only a matter of time before they took control of the scoreboard. Tee scored two more goals in the second and assisted for a Campbell goal as well. "Tee gave us some offensive spark in the beginning of the game which was much needed," said Coach Scott Budnick. He continued, "We were fortunate to have Ryan McDonald as our foundation and back stop to help us out, and Charlie Campbell is just a pure talent, on both offense and defense." Scott was ecstatic going into the locker room at halftime, with a Louisville Lightning 7-3 commanding lead.

The second half was much of the same and the Louisville Lightning, once again, came out quick with two goals from ex-Houston Dynamo, John Michael Hayden. Hayden later completed the hat-trick with a third in the fourth quarter. From then on, the Lightning were in control as nearly ever player on the roster registered a point on the scoresheet. Some of the highlighted players included: Shipalane with four goals and one assist, Campbell with two goals and two assists, and Hayden with four goals.

As much as they scored, it was not only the offense that won the game for the Lightning. Ryan McDonald wore the Captain's band tonight, and it seemed as if his confidence rose to a new level. When asked if he becomes more confident as the captain, he remarked, "Yes and no, it's good having a leader out there, but I've never really been that guy. We have so many leaders on this team, so just cause I was wearing the band, does not make me the only one."

The game finished in a 15-5 win for the Lightning, and the coaches could not be happier. They now move on to the round of 8, which will be a difficult task for them. The opponent has not been drawn yet, but they look forward to the challenge. But, that surely does not make them cocky, "We always need to think about professionalism at this level, that's something I learned growing up playing the beautiful game," said Coach Scott Budnick.

The Louisville Lightning's next game will be on December 16th against the Cincinnati Kings at the Mockingbird Valley Soccer Complex. The Lightning have already played the Kings twice this season, once at home and once in Cincy. The Lightning ended up on top in both games with 11-9 and 13-4 victories.

For any more information, Louisville Lightning fans can log on to the official Louisville Lightning website (louisvillelightning.com) or visit the new blog at louisvillelightning.wordpress.com.